Audi Q5

German Engineering at its best

When reviewing vehicles, the usual “Review time” is approximately one week to put a car through its paces. But sometimes you get a car that is so good on all accounts that finding fault in just a week, proves a near impossible task. The Audi Q5 is one of those!

It is almost certainly one of the better cars on the market, yet very expensive at a cool R705 900! But nowadays, which car in this market segment isn’t? We could argue the debate on overpriced cars endlessly, but that would require more pages, of which I have not. So, what do you get for your money? A complete and utterly perfect driving package.

When reviewing vehicles, the usual “Review time” is approximately one week to put a car through its paces. But sometimes you get a car that is so good on all accounts

As an SUV, the Q5 is a big car. And when you mention ‘big car’ one naturally assumes sacrifices in fuel consumption, handling and speed. However, on all of these, Audi would prove your wrong.

With a combined consumption of around 6.4 litres per 100km driven, the 3.0 litre turbo-diesel drove more than 500km in a week and only took the 75 litre tank down to half way. The Q5 has a top speed of 225km/h and reaches 100km/h from a standing position in 6.5 seconds. Put into perspective, that is quicker than a Golf GTi! Not bad considering the Q5 weighs a ton … literally! The carbon emissions are 169g/km on a combined cycle, and that is roughly the same as a small, petrol engine family car. The suspension is balanced to give you a smooth, yet sporty ride and you confidence as a driver never waivers, whether on a tar or dirt road. The Quattro drive system means you are always in control of the car and the car is always in control of the elements.

The Audi has beautiful interior finishes and the hefty price tag includes a panoramic glass sunroof, an off-road optic package, the navigation system and the lovely 20” five spoke off-road wheels. Yeah, yeah we know nothing in life is this perfect, but if you don’t believe us, take it for a spin